The Rectory, which was added in 1840, is on the left as you approach the complex. On the first floor is a large room that was a chapel to the Blessed Mother when it was built in 1840. In it is the confessional used by Mother Duchesne and the tabernacle from the original log church.
A replica of the original log church, built in 1790, is also on display in the rectory as is a collection of items from the early days of the village of St. Ferdinand, including silver religious items from the 1700's and a collection of dolls in nuns' habits. While Mother Duchesne is known to have had her own similar collection, this one is of a later vintage.
All of the buildings have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a cultural inventory of our nation's irreplaceable resources, and form St. Ferdinand's Shrine Historic District.
The Shrine is operated and maintained by the Friends of Old St. Ferdinand, a non-profit agency.
Tour Information
We welcome you to Old St. Ferdinand Shrine. We know you will enjoy your visit.
Old St. Ferdinand Shrine is the oldest Catholic church west of the Mississippi. When you walk through the buildings you will be walking on the same floors, walking the same stairs and sitting in the same pews that residents in 1819 used. You will be amazed at the original condition of the Shrine Campus.
Each visit consists of an informative tour of the Church, a tour of the Convent (all three floors) which was the home of St. Philippine Duchesne for approximately 15 years, and a tour of the rectory – both floors. The tour is conducted with knowledgeable docents.
After the tour of the Church, Convent and Rectory, with time permitting, you will be able to visit the schoolhouse and enjoy our Book Fair. Also available is our Heart of the Oak Book Store. All tours take approximately one and a half hours.
There is no cost for tours, however we always accept donations. Our tours can be conducted for all ages – we give tours from first graders to senior citizens. Check the home page for more tour info.
Lunch Available
We are also able to provide a lunch for you in the Shrine Scoolhouse. The cost of the tour and lunch is $15.00 per person.
- Please fill the form below and click the "Submit" button . We will get back with you via email or phone within 24 hours to confirm your reservation. If you do not hear from us, please call to confirm your reservation.
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- Online (Click to fill out form online)
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- By Mail (Click to print a form and send by mail)
Please Note: Limited Handicapped Access
The Church, the Rectory and the Convent are first floor handicapped accessible. The second and third floors are not.
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